DANUM

Located in the heart of Doncaster, this project created a new focal point for the town by integrating the Doncaster High School for Girls, a beloved Victorian building, within a modern structure that now houses the town’s cultural treasures.

Our approach ensured that the past and present coexist harmoniously, creating a space that resonates with both locals and visitors.

Doncaster’s cultural assets were dispersed across various locations, diminishing their collective impact. Bond Bryan collaborated closely with Doncaster Metropolitan Borough Council to bring these treasures together in a single, inspiring space. By carefully restoring the school’s façade and encasing it in a stunning glazed curtain wall, we were able to showcase the building as a centrepiece of the new development.

The seamless integration of this cherished structure into a modern, functional facility reflects our commitment to not only meeting the client’s needs but exceeding them. The result is a building that honours Doncaster’s past while providing state-of-the-art spaces for learning, exhibition, and community engagement.

The Danum Library, Gallery, and Museum is now a cultural anchor, fostering community pride and engagement. At its heart is the Rail Heritage Centre, where two restored steam locomotives celebrate Doncaster’s industrial legacy. The building also features a café, meeting rooms, and an amphitheatre, which serve as community spaces for events and performances.

By including accessible design elements, such as spaces for those with dementia and Alzheimer’s, we ensured that everyone can engage with Doncaster’s heritage.The facility has become a vibrant hub of creativity, learning, and community connection, embodying the town’s spirit and supporting its cultural fabric.

Rather than demolishing the existing Victorian structure, we worked to preserve and restore it, demonstrating that reuse can be a sustainable and economically sound option. Retaining this Victorian structure not only reduced construction waste but also upheld a vital piece of local heritage.

Abundant natural light, enabled by extensive glazing and the SF52 curtain walling system, floods the space, reducing energy consumption and enhancing the visitor experience. By balancing preservation with modern efficiency, the project achieved both environmental sustainability and cultural resilience, reinforcing Doncaster’s legacy while minimizing its environmental footprint.